Hexagram 10, Line 6
Treading (履)
上九:視履考祥
The Line Text
上九:視履考祥,其旋元吉。
Top Yang: Look to your treading and examine the auspicious signs. When you turn back, there is supreme good fortune.
The Commentary says: The supreme good fortune at the top indicates a great cause for celebration.
Interpretation
This top line signifies the culmination of the entire process of "Treading." The journey is complete, and you have reached a position of safety and high perspective. The time for careful, moment-to-moment action has passed; now is the time for reflection and assessment. "Look to your treading" advises a thorough review of the path you have taken—your actions, decisions, and overall conduct. "Examine the auspicious signs" means to evaluate the results and consequences of this path. The line promises that this review will reveal a history of proper and successful conduct. The phrase "When you turn back" (其旋, qí xuán) does not mean to retreat, but rather to complete a cycle and return to the origin or the beginning, but on a higher level of understanding. Having successfully navigated the challenges, you return to a state of fundamental, or "supreme," good fortune (元吉, yuán jí). This is a moment of profound satisfaction, wisdom gained, and well-deserved success. The journey's end is not just a relief but a genuine triumph, a cause for great rejoicing.
Guidance for Action
Your current phase of action is concluding. Shift your focus from forward motion to backward reflection. Conduct a comprehensive review of a recently completed project, relationship phase, or personal journey. Objectively assess the steps you took and the outcomes they produced. Acknowledge what was done correctly and why it worked. This is not a time for self-criticism but for appreciative understanding. By recognizing the pattern of your success, you solidify the wisdom gained and create a powerful foundation for all future endeavors. Celebrate your achievements and the successful completion of this cycle. Your careful conduct has brought you to a place of security and honor.
For Love & Relationships
A significant cycle in your relationship has reached a successful and happy conclusion. This could be overcoming a major challenge together, reaching a milestone like an anniversary, or simply arriving at a new, profound level of mutual understanding and security. It is a time to look back together on your shared journey. Reminisce about how you met, the obstacles you navigated, and the ways you have grown both individually and as a couple. This shared reflection will reaffirm your bond and bring a deep sense of joy and gratitude. Celebrate the love and stability you have built. The path you have trod together has been a good one, leading to this moment of supreme good fortune.
For Career & Business
You are at the successful completion of a major project, a business cycle, or a significant phase of your career. The results are in, and they are excellent. It is now time for a "post-mortem" analysis or a final performance review. Look back at the entire process, from initial planning to final execution. Identify the key strategies and decisions that led to this success. Acknowledging the effective work of yourself and your team is crucial. This is a moment for recognition, promotion, or a significant bonus. The wisdom gained from this successful venture is your greatest asset moving forward. Celebrate this hard-won victory.
For Financial Matters
An investment has matured, a financial plan has come to fruition, or a period of careful financial management has yielded excellent results. You have successfully navigated market risks and your own impulses, and now you can see the positive outcome. It is time to review your portfolio and your overall financial strategy. The path you have been on has proven to be sound and profitable. This success brings not only material reward but also a sense of security and accomplishment. Acknowledge the wisdom of your past decisions. This positive outcome is a cause for celebration and reinforces the value of your prudent and careful "treading" in financial matters.